Budget Reflects Continued Stability

The City Council has adopted a 1997-98 budget described by officials as a “continuation” that keeps services at existing levels and does not call for layoffs or cutbacks.

The $29-million general fund budget is about $1 million above last year’s in revenue and spending.

“There are some positive signs,” said Don Vestal, interim city manager. “Property tax revenue has stabilized at $2.2 million, and our sales tax revenue has reached a high of $10.5 million.”

The budget also calls for the addition of two positions in community development to “improve our response to complaints . . . and more quickly respond to applications to development projects,” Vestal said.

The largest city expense is $15.5 million for the Police Department. The largest revenue item is $10.5 million in projected sales tax.

Vestal highlighted some of the city’s accomplishments in the budget year just ended:

* $1.2 million in street repair and improvements.

* Civic Center renovations.

* Beach Boulevard median repair and renovation.

* Establishment of a domestic violence program by the Police Department.

* City-issued construction permits for $32 million in planned projects.

Westminster is entering its second straight year with a somewhat brighter financial picture. The 1996-97 budget was the first in several years that did not include deficit spending and cutbacks.

In 1995, city officials wiped out a $1.9-million deficit through increases in business license fees and water rates, contracting out for fire services and maintaining a hiring freeze for all employees except police officers.